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A bloody pig’s head nailed to a wall…
Investigate journalist Emma Hunter is in the thick of another cold case featuring a game of truth or dare in a dark forest by a Dorset army base 15 years ago that went horribly wrong. Four girls went in, only three came out.
A Wiccan map splattered with red ink…
Wreathed in mist and memory, the barracks offered no remains of any kind, just a hole in the perimeter fence and years of unanswered questions.
An ancient ritual drenched in death…
But when Emma teams up with fellow firebrand reporter Rachel and whip-smart cold case expert Jack, she soon discovers it wasn’t a game at all as a grand and sinister pattern begins to unfurl around them.
Investigate journalist Emma Hunter is in the thick of another cold case featuring a game of truth or dare in a dark forest by a Dorset army base 15 years ago that went horribly wrong. Four girls went in, only three came out.
A Wiccan map splattered with red ink…
Wreathed in mist and memory, the barracks offered no remains of any kind, just a hole in the perimeter fence and years of unanswered questions.
An ancient ritual drenched in death…
But when Emma teams up with fellow firebrand reporter Rachel and whip-smart cold case expert Jack, she soon discovers it wasn’t a game at all as a grand and sinister pattern begins to unfurl around them.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 7, 2021
This books picks up just where the previous one (Ransomed) left off. Writer Emma Hunter is in her agent, Maggie’s office discussing legal issues surrounding the ending for her new book based on the events in Ransomed when Maggie gets a call that there is someone on the roof of the building who is threatening to jump. Maggie and Emma both race up there, Maggie has been trained as a negotiator and tries to talk to the young woman. The woman recognises Emma and asks her to find Sally and tell her she is sorry. Then she jumps!
Maggie and Emma are both shocked and traumatised. The dead woman is identified as Natalie and the Sally she referred to is Sally Curtis who disappeared 15 years years ago from an army base. Jack (PC Jack Serrovitz) who works cold cases takes Emma to Natalie’s hostel and they find a shocking display of symbols and red string connecting all sorts of information and books on Wicca and...a pig’s head nailed to the wall! There is also a box on the floor with Emma’s name on it, inside are Natalie’s diaries from when she was a teenager.
Given the emotive appeal of a dying woman, Emma feels compelled to investigate and heads off with her friend Rachel, also a journalist. They talk to Natalie’s mother who introduces them to Sally’s mother. Both women seem very nervous about meeting and when the security chief of the army base, Colonel Harvvard, turns up the atmosphere turns icy. It’s like he has everyone at the base somehow under his thumb.
Emma and Rachel learn that when Sally disappeared, four girls - Natalie, Sally, Louise and Jane snuck out one night into the woods adjacent to the base. Three of them returned. Natalie always felt she was to blame for Sally’s disappearance but the girls never told the truth about why they went into the woods. Until now.
What’s Emma and Rachel uncover is a much more prosaic explanation than poor Natalie envisioned. But alas it’s a sad story that is all too common these days. In real life these stories just keep on coming! I suppose this will be the basis for Emma’s next book. She also gets to visit one of the paedophiles she helped to put away for abusing children at the home for wayward boys. On a hard drive found at his house Jack identified images of Emma’s sister who has been missing for 20 years. Emma wanted to know how the monster got those images but, as yet, he is not willing to share.
This book was a quick and easy read that built on the first book but can be read as a stand alone. Emma is a thoughtful and intuitive person who sees linkages that others might miss. She is able to empathise with the people she interviews and so gets a lot more information than sometimes even the police manage. The book moved at a fair clip and there were no flat spots. I will be keen to see what happens next, particularly with Emma’s search for information about her sister. Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and M. A. Hunter for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
Maggie and Emma are both shocked and traumatised. The dead woman is identified as Natalie and the Sally she referred to is Sally Curtis who disappeared 15 years years ago from an army base. Jack (PC Jack Serrovitz) who works cold cases takes Emma to Natalie’s hostel and they find a shocking display of symbols and red string connecting all sorts of information and books on Wicca and...a pig’s head nailed to the wall! There is also a box on the floor with Emma’s name on it, inside are Natalie’s diaries from when she was a teenager.
Given the emotive appeal of a dying woman, Emma feels compelled to investigate and heads off with her friend Rachel, also a journalist. They talk to Natalie’s mother who introduces them to Sally’s mother. Both women seem very nervous about meeting and when the security chief of the army base, Colonel Harvvard, turns up the atmosphere turns icy. It’s like he has everyone at the base somehow under his thumb.
Emma and Rachel learn that when Sally disappeared, four girls - Natalie, Sally, Louise and Jane snuck out one night into the woods adjacent to the base. Three of them returned. Natalie always felt she was to blame for Sally’s disappearance but the girls never told the truth about why they went into the woods. Until now.
What’s Emma and Rachel uncover is a much more prosaic explanation than poor Natalie envisioned. But alas it’s a sad story that is all too common these days. In real life these stories just keep on coming! I suppose this will be the basis for Emma’s next book. She also gets to visit one of the paedophiles she helped to put away for abusing children at the home for wayward boys. On a hard drive found at his house Jack identified images of Emma’s sister who has been missing for 20 years. Emma wanted to know how the monster got those images but, as yet, he is not willing to share.
This book was a quick and easy read that built on the first book but can be read as a stand alone. Emma is a thoughtful and intuitive person who sees linkages that others might miss. She is able to empathise with the people she interviews and so gets a lot more information than sometimes even the police manage. The book moved at a fair clip and there were no flat spots. I will be keen to see what happens next, particularly with Emma’s search for information about her sister. Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and M. A. Hunter for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
November 4, 2020
Isolated is the second book in the missing Children Case Files, featuring investigative journalist Emma Hunter. I loved Ransomed, the first book and was excited to find out what would happen next. It started off really well but I wasn’t as hooked with the story this time as I was with the first book.
Emma is visiting her agent in London when she witnesses a woman throw herself off the roof of the building. The woman’s last words are to Emma and she tell her to find Sally and tell her that she’s is sorry. Here begins the search, who is Sally and what happened to her? And how didn’t this woman know Emma? This is all while editing her next book and continuing the search for her own missing sister.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Emma is visiting her agent in London when she witnesses a woman throw herself off the roof of the building. The woman’s last words are to Emma and she tell her to find Sally and tell her that she’s is sorry. Here begins the search, who is Sally and what happened to her? And how didn’t this woman know Emma? This is all while editing her next book and continuing the search for her own missing sister.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for my advanced copy of this book to read.
November 9, 2020
Journalist Emma Hunter has worked hard trying to find missing children. She's working on a cold case of a teenager who went missing fifteen years ago. While Emma is at her agents, a young woman falls from the roof. In her dying moments, Natalie asks Emma to find Sally. Emma, her journalist friend, Rachel and Jack, a police officer join forces to try and find out what had happened that night.
The story alternates between the then and now format. Then: is when Sally, Louise, Jane and Natalie sneak out on the night Sally disappeared. The girls make a pact never to tell what happened. Now: Rachel is a writer and her sister is still missing. All the characters in the book are well rounded and believable. This is a well written story with lots of twists. This is turning out to be a fantastic series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author ×MAHunter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
The story alternates between the then and now format. Then: is when Sally, Louise, Jane and Natalie sneak out on the night Sally disappeared. The girls make a pact never to tell what happened. Now: Rachel is a writer and her sister is still missing. All the characters in the book are well rounded and believable. This is a well written story with lots of twists. This is turning out to be a fantastic series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author ×MAHunter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 6, 2020
Isolated is the sophomore instalment in The Missing Children Case Files series, featuring Investigative Journalist Emma Hunter who specialises in cases involving children. I highly recommend reading the first book before this as Emma has an extensive backstory, which explains her career choice and tenacious nature. Emma Hunter has recently published her first book — a deep dive into a paedophile ring that was commanded from a home for wayward boys. An instant bestseller, The Monster Under the Bed exposed the rampant, systematic abuse carried out there and the perpetrators are now in prison. She is currently writing her next book, on the kidnapping of Lord Fitzume’s granddaughter and visits her literary agent, Maddie, in London to discuss some legal implications. While there she witnesses a woman, Natalie, commit suicide by jumping off the roof right in front of her. Her last words were seemingly directed at Emma: “You need to find her. Find Sally. Tell her, I’m sorry.” she then discovers that Natalie has left a box of old articles and newspaper clippings that refers to pagan-based cults and Wicca.
When Natalie was only 14, she and 3 friends, Sally, Louise and Jane, escaped to the woods one night but Sally Curtis was never to be seen again. Emma decides to investigate and starts looking into the military base where Sally vanished. This is a compulsive, multistranded story in which enough is happening to keep you enthralled throughout. I had real problems putting it down and devoured it in one swift gulp. Despite moving between different decades it is never confusing and the shifts are done seamlessly and superbly. Emma is a great, relatable protagonist who feels an affinity with the case of Sally as her sister Anna disappeared two decades ago now and Emma has been investigating it ever since. It's well written, with a real sense of tension and bags of intrigue and mystery as to what happened to Sally that fateful evening. Hooking me in pretty much immediately, I was absorbed by the twisty narrative, which held some surprises, and particularly good use of misdirection pulling you one way then another. Highly recommended. Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC.
When Natalie was only 14, she and 3 friends, Sally, Louise and Jane, escaped to the woods one night but Sally Curtis was never to be seen again. Emma decides to investigate and starts looking into the military base where Sally vanished. This is a compulsive, multistranded story in which enough is happening to keep you enthralled throughout. I had real problems putting it down and devoured it in one swift gulp. Despite moving between different decades it is never confusing and the shifts are done seamlessly and superbly. Emma is a great, relatable protagonist who feels an affinity with the case of Sally as her sister Anna disappeared two decades ago now and Emma has been investigating it ever since. It's well written, with a real sense of tension and bags of intrigue and mystery as to what happened to Sally that fateful evening. Hooking me in pretty much immediately, I was absorbed by the twisty narrative, which held some surprises, and particularly good use of misdirection pulling you one way then another. Highly recommended. Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC.
November 3, 2020
Emma is an investigative journalist who just published her first book about a paedophile ring that was lead from a boys’ home. The police investigated the accusations and the main perpetrators are finally locked up in prison. Now she’s writing her second book about the kidnapping of lord Fitzhume’s granddaughter, the case we followed in the previous book in this series. While she’s at her agent, a woman commits suicide in front of them. Her last words before she jumps off the roof, are to Emma: “You need to find her. Find Sally. Tell her, I’m sorry.” Of course, Emma can’t let this go. The woman prepared a whole box for her that contains old diaries and books with references to Wicca and pagan cults. 15 years ago, when they were 14, Natalie and 3 other girls sneaked off into the woods at night but only 3 of them came out. But Sally Curtis was never heard of seen again. The investigation leads to the army base where the girls lived and into the occult
At the end of the previous book, Jack (the liaison police officer in that case) told Emma that they discovered footage of her sister Anna, who disappeared 20 years ago when she 9, on the hard drive of an infamous child molester. So, 4 years after she went missing she was still alive. This feeds her hope that her sister might be still alive but it also raises more questions than ever.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, is most true for this series because although I like the stories, the covers are dreadful. This 2nd book is even better than the 1st one. The story is very well-paced; neither too slow nor too fast. The author steers you professionally in the wrong direction, only to pull off a surprising conclusion out of her high hat. Well, I kinda guessed part of it as the text already hinted to some of it, but I was well satisfied by this ending. I do think that 4 more books to conclude the story arc about Anna’s disappearance is a bit too long to keep up the interest.
At first, I thought it strange that the main character in this series is called Hunter, as was the case in the previous book in another series that I read yesterday. Thinking about it, I saw the same name more often for detectives. Is this a new trend? But if you look at the name of the author and then see Emma Hunter, you understand that the books are actually written by Emma herself.
There are some endearing, funny moments when Jack’s daughter expects a horse for Christmas but also very true depictions of heartache, tragedy and feelings of guilt that’s felt by family members of people with Alzheimer.
I thank Harper Collins, One More Chapter and Netgalley for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
At the end of the previous book, Jack (the liaison police officer in that case) told Emma that they discovered footage of her sister Anna, who disappeared 20 years ago when she 9, on the hard drive of an infamous child molester. So, 4 years after she went missing she was still alive. This feeds her hope that her sister might be still alive but it also raises more questions than ever.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, is most true for this series because although I like the stories, the covers are dreadful. This 2nd book is even better than the 1st one. The story is very well-paced; neither too slow nor too fast. The author steers you professionally in the wrong direction, only to pull off a surprising conclusion out of her high hat. Well, I kinda guessed part of it as the text already hinted to some of it, but I was well satisfied by this ending. I do think that 4 more books to conclude the story arc about Anna’s disappearance is a bit too long to keep up the interest.
At first, I thought it strange that the main character in this series is called Hunter, as was the case in the previous book in another series that I read yesterday. Thinking about it, I saw the same name more often for detectives. Is this a new trend? But if you look at the name of the author and then see Emma Hunter, you understand that the books are actually written by Emma herself.
There are some endearing, funny moments when Jack’s daughter expects a horse for Christmas but also very true depictions of heartache, tragedy and feelings of guilt that’s felt by family members of people with Alzheimer.
I thank Harper Collins, One More Chapter and Netgalley for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
January 10, 2021
Book 2 in the series of missing children had journalist Emma Hunter back in the forefront. Her search for her missing sister continued while a new mystery came to light which was intriguing in its concept. Natalie’s last words – Find Sally – after falling from the building had Emma, her best friend Rachel, and cop Jack scurrying to find Sally
The story alternated between the past and the present where I got to know Natalie slightly better in her childhood and Emma’s investigation as it happened now. Having read author M. A. Hunter’s books earlier, I hoped for a galloping prose. But this was slow and meandered in the middle.
The suspense started fine in the beginning but kept wavering. The mystery was intriguing to solve with twists aplenty, when the investigation made inroads into Sally’s disappearance. Emma as the main character worked well; her reactions seemed apt to the situation. I liked the nuggets of personal life weaved into the story.
Overall, a fun read. I have book 3 with me, looking forward to a rocking ride.
The story alternated between the past and the present where I got to know Natalie slightly better in her childhood and Emma’s investigation as it happened now. Having read author M. A. Hunter’s books earlier, I hoped for a galloping prose. But this was slow and meandered in the middle.
The suspense started fine in the beginning but kept wavering. The mystery was intriguing to solve with twists aplenty, when the investigation made inroads into Sally’s disappearance. Emma as the main character worked well; her reactions seemed apt to the situation. I liked the nuggets of personal life weaved into the story.
Overall, a fun read. I have book 3 with me, looking forward to a rocking ride.
February 17, 2021
Isolated by M.A Hunter is the second in The Missing Children Case Files series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) - in particular Claire Fenby, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Emma Hunter is an investigative journalist who is now a best-selling author. Between her friend and literary agent Maddie, and her best friend from college Rachel, Emma has a good support team, although she wishes they got along. DC Jack Serrovitz has started helping Emma on her missing children cases. Emma's sister has been missing for over 20 years, but she is still looking for her.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Emma and Maddie try to prevent the suicide of a young woman named Natalie, she tells Emma to "find Sally, and tell her I'm sorry". Emma has no idea who she is referring to. After the detectives find a box with Emma's name on it in the dead woman's apartment, Emma decides she will try to find the elusive Sally. Apparently when they were teenagers, Natalie and her friends had entered the woods near the military base where they lived, and Sally was never seen again. Natalie felt that she was responsible for Sally's disappearance, and it has haunted her 15 years.
Meanwhile, Emma is still trying to bring Fitzhume to justice for being behind the kidnapping of his grand-daughter. But he has friends in high places, and other than the fact that he admitted this to her, there is no concrete evidence. Emma's book about the kidnapping is on hold until the lawyers can figure out how much she can say about this in the book.
Then, Jack's facial recognition software got a positive match for Emma's sister on some videos taken from the home of Turgood. Unfortunately, Emma is responsible for his arrest, and he's not very willing to help.
My Opinions:
This book leaves off immediately at the end of the first in the series, and you are going to have to read these books in order, or it's going to get confusing. Yes, there is some recapping, but even I was confused when this one started and I had read the first book.
Anyway, with reference to the characters, I like Emma and Jack. I am getting used to Rachel and Maddie.
The story alternates between Natalie's childhood, and Emma's current investigation.
The book is about bullying, sexual and physical abuse, and the fragility of a young girl's mind at an impressionable age. It shows that guilt, real or imagined, can be deadly. It was a little dark. The book is also about Alzheimer's, and Emma's guilt at having to confine her aging mother in a nursing home. Speaking from my own experience here, the author handled this very well.
Again, this book reads a little different. I find the suspense, and therefore excitement, missing. However, the plot is good and so is the writing. I'm going to stick with it.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including my reason for choosing to read this and author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 3, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter for a review copy of Isolated, the second novel to feature investigative journalist Emma Hunter, set in and around Weymouth.
Emma is in London visiting her agent when she witnesses a young woman throw herself off the building with the last words, “find Sally. Tell her I’m sorry”. The young woman is Natalie Sullivan and Sally is her friend Sally Curtis who, as a 14 year old, disappeared 15 years ago from the woods near the army barracks in Weymouth after a game of truth or dare. Natalie’s home suggests a Wiccan connection and darker forces.
I thoroughly enjoyed Isolated which is another fast moving investigation in what is turning into a compulsive series. Like the first novel, Ransomed, this revolves around a cold case and follows a similar format with Emma’s first person narrative covering present day events and Natalie’s third person narrative covering the events surrounding Sally’s disappearance. It switches easily between the two with Natalie’s narrative putting meat on the bones of Emma’s fairly meagre investigation, although the reader has to wait until much later in the novel to discover what exactly happened in the woods and why.
I found the novel to be quietly compulsive as the author skilfully builds the tension and curiosity through a series of well timed reveals. There are a few twists, some I guessed, the big one I didn’t, perhaps because I have recently read Ransomed and have a grasp of the author’s mindset. I think the big twist is very well done and it totally surprised me.
Emma is pushed to help others as she is troubled by the unsolved disappearance of her 9 year old sister, Anna, twenty years ago. This is a thread in the series so the novel opens with the results of the cliffhanger in the previous novel and ends with another development which may get her nearer to the answer of what happened to Anna. It’s not looking pretty, but it’s fiction so I can hope that it’s all a mistake.
Isolated is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Emma is in London visiting her agent when she witnesses a young woman throw herself off the building with the last words, “find Sally. Tell her I’m sorry”. The young woman is Natalie Sullivan and Sally is her friend Sally Curtis who, as a 14 year old, disappeared 15 years ago from the woods near the army barracks in Weymouth after a game of truth or dare. Natalie’s home suggests a Wiccan connection and darker forces.
I thoroughly enjoyed Isolated which is another fast moving investigation in what is turning into a compulsive series. Like the first novel, Ransomed, this revolves around a cold case and follows a similar format with Emma’s first person narrative covering present day events and Natalie’s third person narrative covering the events surrounding Sally’s disappearance. It switches easily between the two with Natalie’s narrative putting meat on the bones of Emma’s fairly meagre investigation, although the reader has to wait until much later in the novel to discover what exactly happened in the woods and why.
I found the novel to be quietly compulsive as the author skilfully builds the tension and curiosity through a series of well timed reveals. There are a few twists, some I guessed, the big one I didn’t, perhaps because I have recently read Ransomed and have a grasp of the author’s mindset. I think the big twist is very well done and it totally surprised me.
Emma is pushed to help others as she is troubled by the unsolved disappearance of her 9 year old sister, Anna, twenty years ago. This is a thread in the series so the novel opens with the results of the cliffhanger in the previous novel and ends with another development which may get her nearer to the answer of what happened to Anna. It’s not looking pretty, but it’s fiction so I can hope that it’s all a mistake.
Isolated is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 7, 2020
Isolated is book 2 in a series by M.A. Hunter. Investigative journalist Emma Hunter is working on the next case. It involves a missing teen from 15 years ago. Could a girl really go missing in a game of truth or dare in the middle of the woods? Is there witchcraft involved? As Emma works to solve this case, more clues come in her own missing sisters case. I love that there are two cases being worked on simultaneously throughout the book. One will be solved in the end and the other I assume will span the entire series. This book kept me turning the pages, just as the first book, Ransomed did. Can't wait for the next one to come along.
March 11, 2021
Isolated is the second Missing Children Case Files book and is just as original and engaging as the first. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but if you are anything like me I prefer to start a series from the beginning, and there is a continuous thread that follows Emma’s ongoing investigation into her sister’s disappearance. Emma finds herself in a terrifying situation when she witnesses a young woman standing on the edge of a building she pleads with Emma to “find Sally, bring her home and tell her I am sorry”. Then she jumps and plummets to her death. What follows is an intense read as Emma investigates the mystery of what happened to Sally.
The story is told across two timelines, Emma’s investigation in the present day and the past covers the events surrounding Sally’s disappearance. Both intertwine perfectly, creating a story that’s filled with mystery, with lashes of suspense thrown into the mix. Emma is a complex character, but one I’m growing very fond of, she’s like a dog with a bone, and won’t stop asking questions until she uncovers the answers she is looking for. She carries a lot of guilt regarding her own sister’s disappearance, but her own experiences make her even more determined to find answers for the missing children’s families, her findings may not bring the missing children’s families a happy ending, but it may give them closure, something Emma is sadly no closer to finding in her own sisters disappearance.
The reason I’m enjoying this series so much is this isn’t a police procedure led crime thriller, it makes a refreshing change to follow the investigation from a different POV. This book felt much darker and more sinister than the first book in series. I enjoyed the misdirection and the twist and turns of this case, which we’re expertly placed to give the reader a thrilling read. The plots, characters, the writing and Emma’s backstory make this such an addictive series to read. I’m going to read the next two books in the series Discarded and Trafficked back to back, yes they really are that good! Highly recommended.
The story is told across two timelines, Emma’s investigation in the present day and the past covers the events surrounding Sally’s disappearance. Both intertwine perfectly, creating a story that’s filled with mystery, with lashes of suspense thrown into the mix. Emma is a complex character, but one I’m growing very fond of, she’s like a dog with a bone, and won’t stop asking questions until she uncovers the answers she is looking for. She carries a lot of guilt regarding her own sister’s disappearance, but her own experiences make her even more determined to find answers for the missing children’s families, her findings may not bring the missing children’s families a happy ending, but it may give them closure, something Emma is sadly no closer to finding in her own sisters disappearance.
The reason I’m enjoying this series so much is this isn’t a police procedure led crime thriller, it makes a refreshing change to follow the investigation from a different POV. This book felt much darker and more sinister than the first book in series. I enjoyed the misdirection and the twist and turns of this case, which we’re expertly placed to give the reader a thrilling read. The plots, characters, the writing and Emma’s backstory make this such an addictive series to read. I’m going to read the next two books in the series Discarded and Trafficked back to back, yes they really are that good! Highly recommended.
November 2, 2020
What a great follow up to the first book in this series! It begins right where the last book left off, which I haven't seen for awhile, but I like that style, as if it's just the next chapter in the same book. Emma Hunter is a journalist and newly famous author who just received word from Jack, a detective that she consults with, that there has been some new evidence of her sister's disappearance from 20 years ago. But this discovery soon gets put aside after a woman named Natalie commits suicide in front of Emma and her agent, Maddie, from the roof of their building. That's tragic enough, but Emma finds herself brought into this investigation when Natalie's room contains a box with Emma's name on it, even though she's a total stranger. And strange sure describes the room - as the walls are plastered with articles, connecting red threads, and worst of all, a pig's head nailed to the wall. What on earth is going on here?
She and Jack soon discover that Natalie was childhood friends with a young teenage girl who disappeared from a military base and was never seen again. This loss has haunted her for her entire life, and Emma believes it was the driving force behind her suicide. But wasn't Natalie proven to have nothing to do with the girl's disappearance? And is it true that her friend wasn't the first girl to disappear under suspicious circumstances? Emma and Jack delve deep into Natalie's past to uncover the truth and bring closure to the families of everyone affected, But no one expects just how much of the past was buried in lies.
She and Jack soon discover that Natalie was childhood friends with a young teenage girl who disappeared from a military base and was never seen again. This loss has haunted her for her entire life, and Emma believes it was the driving force behind her suicide. But wasn't Natalie proven to have nothing to do with the girl's disappearance? And is it true that her friend wasn't the first girl to disappear under suspicious circumstances? Emma and Jack delve deep into Natalie's past to uncover the truth and bring closure to the families of everyone affected, But no one expects just how much of the past was buried in lies.
January 8, 2021
Emma Hunter is at a meeting with Maddie, her agent, discussing where she might go with her next book. Suddenly there's shouting- a young woman is on the roof about to jump. Maddie, having had experience with the Samaritans attempt to talk her down. Sadly she doesn't succeed. Just before she leans back & falls she asks Emma to find Sally & tell her she is sorry. Emma discovers that the victim, Natalie once lived on an Army base. One night she & three friends snaked out into the woods. Sally disappeared & there had never been any answers. Emma, along with her friend reporter Rachel & cold case cop Jack attempt to find out what happened.
Told from the time when Sally disappeared & present day this fast paced thriller keeps the reader on their toes. I really enjoyed the first book in this series & this one was equally enjoyable. I like seeing how the characters are developing & how the story arch is progressing across the series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Told from the time when Sally disappeared & present day this fast paced thriller keeps the reader on their toes. I really enjoyed the first book in this series & this one was equally enjoyable. I like seeing how the characters are developing & how the story arch is progressing across the series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
January 19, 2021
Emma Hunter is at a meeting with Maddie, her agent, discussing where she might go with her next book. Suddenly there's shouting- a young woman is on the roof about to jump. Maddie, having had experience with the Samaritans attempt to talk her down. Sadly she doesn't succeed. Just before she leans back & falls she asks Emma to find Sally & tell her she is sorry. Emma discovers that the victim, Natalie once lived on an Army base. One night she & three friends snaked out into the woods. Sally disappeared & there had never been any answers. Emma, along with her friend reporter Rachel & cold case cop Jack attempt to find out what happened.
Told from the time when Sally disappeared & present day this fast paced thriller keeps the reader on their toes. I really enjoyed the first book in this series & this one was equally enjoyable. I like seeing how the characters are developing & how the story arch is progressing across the series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Told from the time when Sally disappeared & present day this fast paced thriller keeps the reader on their toes. I really enjoyed the first book in this series & this one was equally enjoyable. I like seeing how the characters are developing & how the story arch is progressing across the series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
November 22, 2020
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't massively gripped by the whole wiccan thing, but this was still a very enjoyable read. The second thrilling and gripping book in this series!
Emma Hunter still remains a character that is very likeable - relentless, determined but respectful, when it comes to seeking the truth. Her interactions with her mum in this book were heartbreakingly realistic to read. Throw in another cleverly-written mystery, the continuing story plot concerning Emma's missing sister Anna, a uniquely original main plot, plenty of twists and turns and another engaging then/now timeline; this is a book I would highly recommend!
Can't wait for the third book!
I wasn't massively gripped by the whole wiccan thing, but this was still a very enjoyable read. The second thrilling and gripping book in this series!
Emma Hunter still remains a character that is very likeable - relentless, determined but respectful, when it comes to seeking the truth. Her interactions with her mum in this book were heartbreakingly realistic to read. Throw in another cleverly-written mystery, the continuing story plot concerning Emma's missing sister Anna, a uniquely original main plot, plenty of twists and turns and another engaging then/now timeline; this is a book I would highly recommend!
Can't wait for the third book!
March 8, 2021
Incredibly chilling.
Those two words could accurately sum up the second installment of The Missing Children Case Files. We follow Emma again as she watches something terrible happen, with a plea for her help. In true Emma fashion she approaches the story with vigor as she unravels the story.
I couldn't have been prepared for this book any more than I was the first. The topic dealt with in this one is very important and showed just how wrong society can get things.
From witchcraft to buried secrets within the armed forces this story brings us so many twists that I didn't have the ending pegged until it was upon me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) for the review copy.
Those two words could accurately sum up the second installment of The Missing Children Case Files. We follow Emma again as she watches something terrible happen, with a plea for her help. In true Emma fashion she approaches the story with vigor as she unravels the story.
I couldn't have been prepared for this book any more than I was the first. The topic dealt with in this one is very important and showed just how wrong society can get things.
From witchcraft to buried secrets within the armed forces this story brings us so many twists that I didn't have the ending pegged until it was upon me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) for the review copy.
November 9, 2020
Honestly, I couldn't connect with this story for a lot of little reasons. For example when Natalie wakes up in the hospital, her mother tells her that her leg was "quite infected from what the nurse told me, but too recent for any real infection to take hold". Well which is it? Is her leg quite infected? Or was it just so badly cleaned by her the night before that an infection was imminent? I could also point out how the night Natalie snuck out and she used her keys to unlock her front door BEFORE she went outside? Why would you need keys to unlock a door from the inside? And let's not forget the time the author told us in great detail how she painstakingly went down the stairs on her bottom so she could eavesdrop on a private conversation her parents were having only to have her just a few pages later, jumping out of bed, racing down the stairs and outside.
Now it's important that I mention here that I am reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy, so it's entirely possible that these things have been corrected between then and now. So now, I'm going to talk about the other aspects of this book that were less than enjoyable to me.
For starters, this book jumps between the "then" and Natalie's perspective to the "now" which is told entirely by a woman named Emma who is on the cusp of selling her second novel. At first I liked her. I liked the way she saw herself (and writers in general) and I thought I would be able to relate to her at least.
And then..... Emma goes to the now adult Natalie's room after her death and sees a box addressed to her, she can't possibly understand why it's there. Well maybe because you're a famous author known for uncovering the truth in your stories? That right there made me wonder just how she was able to make the connections that she did throughout this book when she overlooks the obvious answers like that. This low opinion of Emma was only made worse when she kept referring to the Wiccan religion as "Witchcraft" and claiming that she didn't realize it was "still a thing".
As for the story as a whole (and overlooking my lack of interest in the characters, or the multitude of things that were thrown in which I felt served no purpose other than to up the word count), this was a decent story. I'm still not exactly buying what happened in the past - I've grown up on military bases and they were not like that. Yes there is a certain air of taking care of their own, but not to the extent that we are led to believe in this story.
Added to that, I don't feel like I got closure with this one. Sure we were given the pieces to the puzzle, but I don't feel like we got to see the guilty parties actually prosecuted. There is also the fact that this story ends with a cliffhanger meant to encourage the reader to continue on with the series, however, at this point, I am unsure as to whether or not I will do so.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Amazon First Reads. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Now it's important that I mention here that I am reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy, so it's entirely possible that these things have been corrected between then and now. So now, I'm going to talk about the other aspects of this book that were less than enjoyable to me.
For starters, this book jumps between the "then" and Natalie's perspective to the "now" which is told entirely by a woman named Emma who is on the cusp of selling her second novel. At first I liked her. I liked the way she saw herself (and writers in general) and I thought I would be able to relate to her at least.
And then..... Emma goes to the now adult Natalie's room after her death and sees a box addressed to her, she can't possibly understand why it's there. Well maybe because you're a famous author known for uncovering the truth in your stories? That right there made me wonder just how she was able to make the connections that she did throughout this book when she overlooks the obvious answers like that. This low opinion of Emma was only made worse when she kept referring to the Wiccan religion as "Witchcraft" and claiming that she didn't realize it was "still a thing".
As for the story as a whole (and overlooking my lack of interest in the characters, or the multitude of things that were thrown in which I felt served no purpose other than to up the word count), this was a decent story. I'm still not exactly buying what happened in the past - I've grown up on military bases and they were not like that. Yes there is a certain air of taking care of their own, but not to the extent that we are led to believe in this story.
Added to that, I don't feel like I got closure with this one. Sure we were given the pieces to the puzzle, but I don't feel like we got to see the guilty parties actually prosecuted. There is also the fact that this story ends with a cliffhanger meant to encourage the reader to continue on with the series, however, at this point, I am unsure as to whether or not I will do so.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Amazon First Reads. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
November 14, 2020
Isolated is the second in the Missing Children Case Files after Ransomed; I think you could probably step in here and read this one without having read Ransomed, because although there are some continuing threads, notably Emma’s quest for answers about her sister Anna’s fate, the main ‘case’ here is new, and completely resolved within this book.
Investigative journalist Emma Hunter once again gets drawn into looking into something when a tragedy occurs right in front of her (trigger warning for suicide) and a woman’s last words push Emma into looking into the case of a teenager who vanished 15 years ago. The girl vanished off a military base, though, and someone doesn’t want anyone asking any questions. The only living witnesses are too frightened to tell the truth.
The story is told in two timelines, what happened 15 years ago and today, as Emma investigates, and there is a tense switch between the two which I occasionally found jarring - the ‘back then’ timeline is told in the usual past perfect, but the ‘now’ timeline is told in present tense, not my favourite for narrative storytelling. I honestly think telling everything in past tense would be fine; the characters and situations were distinct enough I for one would never have become confused about which timeline I was reading in. I recognise why the choice was made, though, and really it’s a personal preference thing which didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this excellent story.
The only thing I could have wished for is something to actually happen in the romance stakes between Emma and Jack, rather than just Emma’s friends pushing her to do something. Possibly we’ll get something going in the next book of the series.
A genuinely excellent story with a heroine who’s very different from the usual police officer/FBI agent/private detective mystery protagonist, I’m absolutely loving this series. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Investigative journalist Emma Hunter once again gets drawn into looking into something when a tragedy occurs right in front of her (trigger warning for suicide) and a woman’s last words push Emma into looking into the case of a teenager who vanished 15 years ago. The girl vanished off a military base, though, and someone doesn’t want anyone asking any questions. The only living witnesses are too frightened to tell the truth.
The story is told in two timelines, what happened 15 years ago and today, as Emma investigates, and there is a tense switch between the two which I occasionally found jarring - the ‘back then’ timeline is told in the usual past perfect, but the ‘now’ timeline is told in present tense, not my favourite for narrative storytelling. I honestly think telling everything in past tense would be fine; the characters and situations were distinct enough I for one would never have become confused about which timeline I was reading in. I recognise why the choice was made, though, and really it’s a personal preference thing which didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this excellent story.
The only thing I could have wished for is something to actually happen in the romance stakes between Emma and Jack, rather than just Emma’s friends pushing her to do something. Possibly we’ll get something going in the next book of the series.
A genuinely excellent story with a heroine who’s very different from the usual police officer/FBI agent/private detective mystery protagonist, I’m absolutely loving this series. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
January 7, 2021
Having successfully concluded her last assignment best-selling investigative journalist, Emma Hunter, is working with her agent to sort out some legal wrangling when a young woman threatens to jump from the roof of the building. What she finds out leads Emma to an army base close to home and another mystery concerning a missing child.
With the festive season coming up fast Emma finds herself drawn to those involved in the 15 year old cold case and wants nothing more than to end the heartbreak for all those involved.
This is the second Missing Children Case Files book and is just as original and enthralling as the first. I didn't previously spot first time that the author is M A Hunter and the main protagonist Emma Hunter, which is very clever and adds to the uniqueness of this series. The small group of people Emma works with are entertaining and well written and the interactions with her mum were heartbreakingly realistic.
This is becoming a firm favourite series for me and I now eagerly await book three. If the pattern continues this story will become Emma's next bestseller and she will continue her investigative work as she awaits its publication. Again, this is a great continuing plotline which is expertly done and makes me wonder just who the real M A Hunter actually is and if we will ever discover their real identity.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and can't recommend it highly enough.
With the festive season coming up fast Emma finds herself drawn to those involved in the 15 year old cold case and wants nothing more than to end the heartbreak for all those involved.
This is the second Missing Children Case Files book and is just as original and enthralling as the first. I didn't previously spot first time that the author is M A Hunter and the main protagonist Emma Hunter, which is very clever and adds to the uniqueness of this series. The small group of people Emma works with are entertaining and well written and the interactions with her mum were heartbreakingly realistic.
This is becoming a firm favourite series for me and I now eagerly await book three. If the pattern continues this story will become Emma's next bestseller and she will continue her investigative work as she awaits its publication. Again, this is a great continuing plotline which is expertly done and makes me wonder just who the real M A Hunter actually is and if we will ever discover their real identity.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and can't recommend it highly enough.
October 23, 2020
This is the second book in The Missing Children Case Files and it’s an excellent follow up to the first “Ransomed” which I also thoroughly enjoyed. So we start with a suicide which investigative journalist Emma Hunter witnesses while in a meeting with her publisher and this then leads to Emma being drawn in to a cold case of a missing girl. What I really love about this book is the feeling of reality that come across so well and I put that down to the excellent writing of MA Hunter.
There is also an ongoing backstory that really adds to the compelling way this book is written and I really love the character of Emma but all the characters in both these books are well portrayed and we do get to catch up with some from the first book. Although this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone but really I would recommend to read the first it too good to miss in my opinion.
So we have Wicca, ancient rituals and an army camp that seems to have plenty of secrets to hide, my goodness what more do you want from a brilliant read !!
Well I loved the first book and I loved this just as much and I again can’t wait for the next instalment , many many thanks to MA Hunter for a fabulous read.
Mt thank also to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
There is also an ongoing backstory that really adds to the compelling way this book is written and I really love the character of Emma but all the characters in both these books are well portrayed and we do get to catch up with some from the first book. Although this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone but really I would recommend to read the first it too good to miss in my opinion.
So we have Wicca, ancient rituals and an army camp that seems to have plenty of secrets to hide, my goodness what more do you want from a brilliant read !!
Well I loved the first book and I loved this just as much and I again can’t wait for the next instalment , many many thanks to MA Hunter for a fabulous read.
Mt thank also to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 16, 2020
Through Net Galley, I recently read an advance copy of Isolated by M.A. Hunter. This is the second entry in the highly entertaining Missing Children series. Investigative Journalist Emma Hunter continues to search for details surrounding his sisters disappearance as a child while stumbling onto another cold case involving a missing 14 year old who disappeared from the woods adjacent to a military base 15 years earlier.
Told both in real time and through flashbacks, Ms. Hunter has written another compelling mystery centered around a very likeable lead character. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist or turn was introduced that deepened the mystery and kept me enthralled. Emma’s potential love interest, Jack, plays a smaller role in this story but continues to be a character I look forward to getting to know better.
Fast paced, well written and ultimately very satisfying, this one gets an enthusiastic 5 stars. While it could be read as a standalone, there are enough references to the prior entry that the reader would be better served by reading the first in the series, Ransomed, first.
An ebook copy of Isolated was the only compensation received in exchange for this review. My thanks to Net Galley and One More Chapter (Harper Collins UK) for the opportunity to read this book and provide feedback.
Told both in real time and through flashbacks, Ms. Hunter has written another compelling mystery centered around a very likeable lead character. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist or turn was introduced that deepened the mystery and kept me enthralled. Emma’s potential love interest, Jack, plays a smaller role in this story but continues to be a character I look forward to getting to know better.
Fast paced, well written and ultimately very satisfying, this one gets an enthusiastic 5 stars. While it could be read as a standalone, there are enough references to the prior entry that the reader would be better served by reading the first in the series, Ransomed, first.
An ebook copy of Isolated was the only compensation received in exchange for this review. My thanks to Net Galley and One More Chapter (Harper Collins UK) for the opportunity to read this book and provide feedback.
November 22, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book.
It is the second in the Emma Hunter series and I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It begins very shortly after the end of the first book Ransomed. I thought it had a brilliant first chapter, one that had me hooked and reeled in right from the start This was, for me, one of those books that just got better and better the more I read. Emma and her agent witness someone throw herself off a building with her last words being “Find Sally. Tell her I’m Sorry”. This leads Emma to look into the disappearance of a teenager from an army base 15 years before. The story moves from ‘then’ and ‘now’ so easily and is written so well it held my attention all the way through. I really like the characters, especially Emma - she is very believable and likeable with a good back story which plays a part in this series. The last quarter of the book raced to a thrilling conclusion with so many twists I didn’t expect (wow, wow, wow) and most loose ends tied up. Overall, a very well written book, with a good plot line that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I am loving this series and eagerly await the next book.
It is the second in the Emma Hunter series and I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It begins very shortly after the end of the first book Ransomed. I thought it had a brilliant first chapter, one that had me hooked and reeled in right from the start This was, for me, one of those books that just got better and better the more I read. Emma and her agent witness someone throw herself off a building with her last words being “Find Sally. Tell her I’m Sorry”. This leads Emma to look into the disappearance of a teenager from an army base 15 years before. The story moves from ‘then’ and ‘now’ so easily and is written so well it held my attention all the way through. I really like the characters, especially Emma - she is very believable and likeable with a good back story which plays a part in this series. The last quarter of the book raced to a thrilling conclusion with so many twists I didn’t expect (wow, wow, wow) and most loose ends tied up. Overall, a very well written book, with a good plot line that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I am loving this series and eagerly await the next book.
November 6, 2020
A bloody pig’s head nailed to a wall…
Investigate journalist Emma Hunter is in the thick of another cold case featuring a game of truth or dare in a dark forest by a Dorset army base 15 years ago that went horribly wrong. Four girls went in, only three came out.
A Wiccan map splattered with red ink…
Wreathed in mist and memory, the barracks offered no remains of any kind, just a hole in the perimeter fence and years of unanswered questions.
An ancient ritual drenched in death…
But when Emma teams up with fellow firebrand reporter Rachel and whip-smart cold case expert Jack, she soon discovers it wasn’t a game at all as a grand and sinister pattern begins to unfurl around them.
What a fantastic follow up to book one. This is shaping up to be a great series.
This is a well written mystery with developed characters that are likeable.
I would highly recommend reading book one before book two as there is a back story about Emma’s sister which is continues in book two.
I am looking forward to book 3
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
Investigate journalist Emma Hunter is in the thick of another cold case featuring a game of truth or dare in a dark forest by a Dorset army base 15 years ago that went horribly wrong. Four girls went in, only three came out.
A Wiccan map splattered with red ink…
Wreathed in mist and memory, the barracks offered no remains of any kind, just a hole in the perimeter fence and years of unanswered questions.
An ancient ritual drenched in death…
But when Emma teams up with fellow firebrand reporter Rachel and whip-smart cold case expert Jack, she soon discovers it wasn’t a game at all as a grand and sinister pattern begins to unfurl around them.
What a fantastic follow up to book one. This is shaping up to be a great series.
This is a well written mystery with developed characters that are likeable.
I would highly recommend reading book one before book two as there is a back story about Emma’s sister which is continues in book two.
I am looking forward to book 3
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
February 8, 2021
This is the second book in the Children’s Missing Case Files and it is going from strength to strength. Emma Hunter, a best selling investigative author is at a meeting with her agent, Maddie at her offices when a commotion draws their attention to the roof, a young woman, Natalie is on the edge. Maddie has had experience with the Samaritans and tries to talk her down but just before Natalie jumps, she asks Emma to find Sally and tell her she’s sorry.
Natalie’s dying request is plaguing Emma and after some research, she discovers that 15 years ago on an Army Base (where Natalie grew up), four girls, Sally, Louise, Jane and Natalie sneaked into the woods one night, however, only three of them returned! What happened to Sally and what is Natalie sorry for? Emma together with her friend Rachel and her police cold case officer, Jack will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of it and find Sally.
Another fast paced gritty investigation, lies and secrets uncovered, twist and turns to get to the truth and what an ending, didn’t see that coming, can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Emma.
Natalie’s dying request is plaguing Emma and after some research, she discovers that 15 years ago on an Army Base (where Natalie grew up), four girls, Sally, Louise, Jane and Natalie sneaked into the woods one night, however, only three of them returned! What happened to Sally and what is Natalie sorry for? Emma together with her friend Rachel and her police cold case officer, Jack will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of it and find Sally.
Another fast paced gritty investigation, lies and secrets uncovered, twist and turns to get to the truth and what an ending, didn’t see that coming, can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Emma.
March 15, 2021
I went straight into this second installment of The Missing Children Case files from Case 1 because I couldn’t get enough of Emma Hunter and her investigations. The first case was concluded, but the underlying case was still unsolved. Case 2 brings us straight into another case - dark and mysterious, a missing child, with wiccan undertones, but is it quite what it seems? The investigation is sparked off by Emma witnessing a traumatic incident with her own eyes, and plunges her into the investigation, which gets more and more confused at every turn. But teaming up with her reporter best friend, along with Jack, the cold case ex detective, she dives right in and does what she does best - find the truth. And the missing child.
Again I could not put this book down. It was fast paced, without being rushed, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just one more chapter before...then suddenly it was finished. Leaving me racing to download Case 3 for my next fix to find out what happens next. Overall a gripping read, that leaves you rushing to get the next installment of the series!
*I received this book from NetGalley for review but all opinions are my own.
Again I could not put this book down. It was fast paced, without being rushed, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just one more chapter before...then suddenly it was finished. Leaving me racing to download Case 3 for my next fix to find out what happens next. Overall a gripping read, that leaves you rushing to get the next installment of the series!
*I received this book from NetGalley for review but all opinions are my own.
April 7, 2021
This second book continues directly after the first book Ransomed ended. It was great to continue in with Emma without any time passing. Just as with the first book, the author has created an excellently crafted mystery with many of the same base characters as the first book. I was completely invested in this book from the first chapter. It is a quick read as you won’t want to put it down.
This book also is based on a missing person and Emma finds herself involved in a random suicide...but was it really random? The story evolves quickly with several little twists and one major twist that will keep you guessing to the end. I enjoy how the characters involved in the first book are included or mentioned in this book, keeping their stories alive and blending them into the new missing person case. I found myself rooting for Emma and hoping that she will find yet another lead on what happened to her sister Anna.
This is a thoroughly interesting mystery that I greatly enjoyed. I also enjoy the fact that there aren’t any graphic details. I thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
This book also is based on a missing person and Emma finds herself involved in a random suicide...but was it really random? The story evolves quickly with several little twists and one major twist that will keep you guessing to the end. I enjoy how the characters involved in the first book are included or mentioned in this book, keeping their stories alive and blending them into the new missing person case. I found myself rooting for Emma and hoping that she will find yet another lead on what happened to her sister Anna.
This is a thoroughly interesting mystery that I greatly enjoyed. I also enjoy the fact that there aren’t any graphic details. I thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
November 3, 2020
Isolated is the second book in The Missing Children Case Files Series and it uses a dual timeline to illustrate how events from the past have come full circle to influence events in the present.
In all honesty I really wanted to read this book because the blurb made it sound so intriguing and I definitely wasn’t disappointed because I absolutely loved it. The storyline kept me hooked from the very beginning and I really liked the characters because they are relatable.
Emma is an investigative journalist which I believe has a lot to do with the fact that her sister went missing over twenty years ago. I think that Emma is a beautifully written complex character who helps others no matter what the consequences are. I find her to have a very intriguing backstory which I can’t wait to unfold in the future books.
This book had so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I definitely recommend this book if you want a thrilling, suspenseful and captivating read.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
In all honesty I really wanted to read this book because the blurb made it sound so intriguing and I definitely wasn’t disappointed because I absolutely loved it. The storyline kept me hooked from the very beginning and I really liked the characters because they are relatable.
Emma is an investigative journalist which I believe has a lot to do with the fact that her sister went missing over twenty years ago. I think that Emma is a beautifully written complex character who helps others no matter what the consequences are. I find her to have a very intriguing backstory which I can’t wait to unfold in the future books.
This book had so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I definitely recommend this book if you want a thrilling, suspenseful and captivating read.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
January 26, 2021
This is the second book in the series focusing on missing children cases and certainly did not disappoint.
Emma Hunter is an investigative journalist who carries around the heavy burden of her missing sister who disappeared some years ago.
This story is told from 2 time spans. It starts in the past where 4 teenage girls living in army barracks sneak out on night into the woods. Only 3 return and the hunt begins for the missing girl, which has never been resolved.
Whilst Emma is visiting her agent in London they become embroiled into the situation where a woman is threatening to jump off the roof. Unable to change her mind, the woman pleads that 'Sally' is found and that Natalie was sorry.
After some investigating, Emma becomes embroiled in a case which appears to hold many secrets behind the locked down army camp. Visitors are not welcome and secrets are held close.
This story is fast paced with twists along the way and an ending I wouldn't have predicted. Highly recommend, a great read.
Emma Hunter is an investigative journalist who carries around the heavy burden of her missing sister who disappeared some years ago.
This story is told from 2 time spans. It starts in the past where 4 teenage girls living in army barracks sneak out on night into the woods. Only 3 return and the hunt begins for the missing girl, which has never been resolved.
Whilst Emma is visiting her agent in London they become embroiled into the situation where a woman is threatening to jump off the roof. Unable to change her mind, the woman pleads that 'Sally' is found and that Natalie was sorry.
After some investigating, Emma becomes embroiled in a case which appears to hold many secrets behind the locked down army camp. Visitors are not welcome and secrets are held close.
This story is fast paced with twists along the way and an ending I wouldn't have predicted. Highly recommend, a great read.
November 3, 2020
Extraordinary! I really liked the first book in the series, but this one is even better! I feel like Emma gets to shine in this book. Even though she keeps on looking for her sister, this book focuses more on a 15-year-old case. Four girls went into the woods, three came back. What happened to the fourth girl?
The other three do not talk about that night. In fact they have a pact. One of them commits suicide, and that’s the point of no return for Emma. She wants to find out the truth. She’s a skilled investigating journalist, and a great protagonist. I liked her from the beginning, but she keeps on growing on me.
All the characters in the book are well-developed, lively, and I feel like they are in the same room with me while I’m reading the book. The mystery unfolds slowly, until this well-plotted book reveals its secrets.
I am very much looking forward to the third book in the series. I know M.A. Hunter is a master storyteller, but will he be able to top this one?
The other three do not talk about that night. In fact they have a pact. One of them commits suicide, and that’s the point of no return for Emma. She wants to find out the truth. She’s a skilled investigating journalist, and a great protagonist. I liked her from the beginning, but she keeps on growing on me.
All the characters in the book are well-developed, lively, and I feel like they are in the same room with me while I’m reading the book. The mystery unfolds slowly, until this well-plotted book reveals its secrets.
I am very much looking forward to the third book in the series. I know M.A. Hunter is a master storyteller, but will he be able to top this one?
November 5, 2020
This is the second book in a series featuring author Emma Hunter.
Emma is visiting her agent to discuss her latest book. Whilst there, there is an incident. A woman on the roof. The woman Natalie falls to her death . Before her death she pleads with Emma to find Sally. Emma shocked is set on a journey to discover why a young woman would take her life and what happened
The story is told in two timelines. The other is set on an Dorest army base fifteen years before. A group of girls meet late at nightingale the woods. Four went in. However, one does not return. Sally Curtis was never seen again. Natalie the woman who fell to her death was one of the women.
Emma , her journalist friend Rachel and Jack a police liaison officer join forces in this case.
Another fabulous book by M.A Hunter. Just as good as the first. The third book will be eagerly awaited.
I received this ARC from Netgalley. Opinions are my own
Emma is visiting her agent to discuss her latest book. Whilst there, there is an incident. A woman on the roof. The woman Natalie falls to her death . Before her death she pleads with Emma to find Sally. Emma shocked is set on a journey to discover why a young woman would take her life and what happened
The story is told in two timelines. The other is set on an Dorest army base fifteen years before. A group of girls meet late at nightingale the woods. Four went in. However, one does not return. Sally Curtis was never seen again. Natalie the woman who fell to her death was one of the women.
Emma , her journalist friend Rachel and Jack a police liaison officer join forces in this case.
Another fabulous book by M.A Hunter. Just as good as the first. The third book will be eagerly awaited.
I received this ARC from Netgalley. Opinions are my own
November 6, 2020
This is the second book in this series and is a great read.
Emma is about to have a meeting with her agent Maddie, when they get told a girl is threatening to throw herself off the roof. Maddie is trained with the Samaritans so goes up to help and Emma follows her.
The girl gives Emma a message before she jumps about her friend who is missing, Sally.
Emma feels that she needs to look into the disappearance and calls on her friend Rachel to help.
There seems to be links with witchcraft but Emma thinks there’s more to it.
The army base where the girls grew up is the focus for Emma and it seems there’s a few secrets hidden there.
Jack is on hand as well but doesn’t feature as much in this book as he’s still looking into the video files from the abuse case.
This is another great read in this gripping series.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Emma is about to have a meeting with her agent Maddie, when they get told a girl is threatening to throw herself off the roof. Maddie is trained with the Samaritans so goes up to help and Emma follows her.
The girl gives Emma a message before she jumps about her friend who is missing, Sally.
Emma feels that she needs to look into the disappearance and calls on her friend Rachel to help.
There seems to be links with witchcraft but Emma thinks there’s more to it.
The army base where the girls grew up is the focus for Emma and it seems there’s a few secrets hidden there.
Jack is on hand as well but doesn’t feature as much in this book as he’s still looking into the video files from the abuse case.
This is another great read in this gripping series.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
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